Project enhances water quality for Conwy farmers

A collaborative nature project in north Wales is expected to deliver enhanced water quality and improved habitats for farms along the Afon Eidda in Conwy.

The Uwch Conwy project, run by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), National Trust Cymru and five National Trust tenant farms along the banks of Afon Eidda, a tributary of Afon Conwy, has created a 3km riverside corridor and installed alternative livestock watering systems.

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Cash from the Nature and Climate Emergency (NaCE) fund was used to fence off the riverbank to keep livestock out of the water, at a cost of approximately £35,000.

The fencing now helps to prevent pollution caused by animals drinking directly from the river, disturbing the riverbed, and adding excess nutrients through their dung.

Within the fenced corridor, bushes and trees will grow, protecting the bank from erosion and overland runoff that could also pollute the river. 

The alternative drinking water supplies, which include mains, solar pumps, pasture pumps, water troughs, hard-standing areas, and associated pipework, cost £8,000.

Stream corridor at Afon Eidda © NRW

Sarah Aubrey, senior environment officer for Conwy, said: “This work is a great example of how collaboration can deliver real benefits for nature and farming.”

The project is part of the Welsh government-funded Water Capital Programme, which supports environmental priorities, including river restoration and water quality.

Over the past three years, the Welsh government has provided £40m to the programme, which NRW delivers to implement targeted remediation.

Last year, £15m of capital funding was allocated to NRW for water quality improvements.

Thriving flora and fauna

Melancholy thistle © J Clarke

As part of the Uwch Conwy project, NRW has also enclosed and protected the Eidda Pastures site of special scientific interest at Ty Uchaf Eidda – a rare, flower-rich meadow.

This site has been carefully managed for many years by the tenant farmer and his father before him, allowing wildlife to thrive.

It is the only location in Eryri where melancholy thistle grows, alongside other rare species such as globe flower and wood bitter vetch, and a range of orchids that help attract pollinators.

Fencing the river at Ty Uchaf Eidda still allows ponies to graze, which helps to control rushes and tough grasses, supporting the growth of these rare flowers.

The creation of tree-lined river corridors will help to connect fragmented woodland areas.

Local community

In addition, some fenced areas have been planted with broad-leaved trees by children from the local school in Ysbyty Ifan.

“By improving water quality and creating connected habitats, we’re helping wildlife thrive while supporting sustainable land management,” added Ms Aubrey.

“It’s a win-win for the environment and the local community.”

Talks are ongoing with downstream landowners and tenants to expand the river corridor habitat to the confluence of the Afon Conwy.